Hat Trick Year for Scholarship

MEDIA RELEASE 12 APRIL 2006

HAT TRICK YEAR FOR REXONA NEW ZEALAND YOUTH CRICKET SCHOLARSHIP

Today at an official presentation, New Zealand Cricketer Craig McMillan announced Ronald Karaitiana of Wellington as the 2006 recipient of the Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship.

For the third consecutive year the Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship will support one talented youth cricketer who exhibits excellence and ambition both on and off the pitch.

As this year’s recipient, Ronald Karaitiana will receive $20,000 from Rexona to contribute to his cricketing development and Accounting studies at Victoria University.

The all rounder enjoyed an exceptional year in 2005, achieving selection for the National Under 19 squad and New Zealand Cricket Junior High Performance Academy, culminating in selection for the NZ team at the ICC Youth World Cup in Sri Lanka this year.

With such performances it was a clear selection for the judging panel consisting of Stephen Fleming, Dion Nash and Glen Sulzberger from the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.

“Ronald has displayed plenty of potential as an all round cricketer and has a proven commitment to both his sport and academic studies. With consistent performances in both batting and bowling, the panel saw huge potential in his abilities and are delighted to announce him as this year’s recipient” said Heath Mills, Executive Manager of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.

All professional cricketers in this country value the partnership with Rexona and the contribution it is making to the development of our future cricket players. This is an outstanding opportunity for Ronald and we are delighted to be able to assist him in this manner” said Mills

“The standard of these young players is fantastic. It bodes really well for the future of cricket in New Zealand to have a broad base of talented, committed and professional young men in the sport”, said Craig McMillan.

Past recipients have proved excellent role models for young cricketers. 2004 recipient Te Ahu Davis has gone on to play for Northern Districts after attending the Dennis Lillee Fast Bowling Clinic in India which included training sessions with Zaheer Khan. Te Ahu has managed training and competition commitments whilst completing his studies at the Waikato Institute of Technology.

Last year’s winner, Todd Astle has also gone from strength to strength making his first class debut for Canterbury this year. This year Astle will attend a prestigious Cricket camp in Australia, headed by world class coach Terry Jenner where he intends to work on his spin bowling technique.

“The Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship has played an integral in my cricketing aspirations and has allowed me to pursue training avenues that would not have been achievable without Rexona’s assistance”Todd Astle said.

“By continuing to support youth cricket in New Zealand, we provide role models for other young players whilst ensuring we identify and develop our future cricket stars to their potential”, Nathan Low, Group Brand Manager, Rexona New Zealand.

“Rexona is proud to continue its association with Youth Cricket in New Zealand and looks forward to a successful year for Ronald”.

ENDS

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